Metro Times: A History of Detroit's Alternative Weekly
Since its launch in 1980, the Metro Times has served as a cornerstone of the Detroit media landscape. Established as a free alternative weekly, it provides a liberal perspective on local news and culture, distinguishing itself from the city's primary daily newspapers, the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News.
Distributed every Wednesday across Detroit and its surrounding suburbs, the publication is available in libraries, businesses, and newsstands. By 2014, the Metro Times reached an average weekly circulation of 50,000 copies across more than 1,200 locations, boasting a weekly readership exceeding 700,000 people.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 1980 by Ron Williams and Laura Markham.
- Distribution: Free of charge every Wednesday.
- Readership: Over 700,000 weekly readers (as of 2014).
- Orientation: Liberal alternative press.
- Current Ownership: Big Lou Holdings LLC (acquired in 2023).
Editorial Content and Community Impact
The Metro Times is well-known for its comprehensive coverage of city life and its commitment to local business recognition through the annual "Best of Detroit" survey. This awards program highlights excellence across four primary categories:
- Public Square: Focused on city life.
- Spend the Night: Covering nightlife and bars.
- Nutritional Value: Dedicated to restaurants and food.
- Real Deal: Highlighting retail and other stores.
Syndicated Features and Columns
Over the years, the publication has hosted a variety of syndicated alternative comics, including Perry Bible Fellowship, This Modern World, Eric Monster Millikin, and Red Meat. It has also featured prominent advice and astrology columns, such as Dan Savage's Savage Love (which succeeded Isadora Alman's Ask Isadora) and Cal Garrison's Horoscopes (which replaced Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology).
The paper also experimented with exclusive content, such as a crossword puzzle created by Brooklyn-based cruciverbalist (a crossword puzzle creator) Ben Tausig. This feature ran from January 2008 until May 2008, when it was removed to save space.
Ownership and Leadership Evolution
The Metro Times was co-founded by Ron Williams, who served as editor, and Laura Markham, who managed the business operations. The leadership has seen several transitions over the decades, including the tenure of W. Kim Heron and Bryan Gottlieb.
In 2013, the newspaper transitioned from Times-Shamrock Communications to the Euclid Media Group. During this era, the publication expanded its reach by merging with Real Detroit Weekly in May 2014, a fellow alternative weekly that had operated since 1999. Subsequent editors-in-chief included Valerie Vande Panne, Dustin Blitchok, and Lee DeVito.
The most recent major transition occurred in August 2023, when Euclid Media Group dissolved. The Metro Times was subsequently sold to Chris Keating, operating under the entity Big Lou Holdings LLC.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Metro Times Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Distribution Day | Wednesday |
| 2014 Circulation | 50,000 weekly |
| 2014 Readership | 700,000+ weekly |
| Current Owner | Big Lou Holdings LLC |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Metro Times funded?
The publication is supported entirely by advertising, which allows it to be distributed free of charge to the public.
What is the "Best of Detroit" survey?
It is an annual awards program that recognizes local businesses in categories such as nightlife, dining, retail, and city life.
Who currently owns the Metro Times?
The newspaper is owned by Chris Keating, operating under the name Big Lou Holdings LLC, following the dissolution of Euclid Media Group in 2023.
How does the Metro Times differ from Detroit's daily newspapers?
Unlike the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News, the Metro Times is an alternative weekly with a liberal orientation.
Did the Metro Times merge with any other publications?
Yes, in May 2014, the Metro Times merged with Real Detroit Weekly, which had been an alternative weekly in the Detroit area since 1999.